Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye

A little background

Located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Wild Turkey is a true family business starting with the legendary Jimmy Russell. Jimmy is the longest tenured-active master distiller with over 60 years of experience. In 2015 Jimmy’s son Eddie Russell earned the title of master distiller, making them the only father son combination in the business. Wild Turkey Rare breed Rye is the first barrel proof rye to be released by Wild Turkey. It’s a blend of non-chill filtered rye, uncut, and bottled directly from the barrel. Rare Breed Rye has a mash bill of 51% Rye, 37% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, is bottled at 112.2 Proof, and has a retail price of $60 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Light Honey

Nose

Rye spice and cool mint right up front with butter and faint caramel coming late after some air time.

Palate

Creamy mouth feel with a rush of cool mint followed by brown sugar and vanilla on the front of the palate then transitioning to creamy butter on the mid palate and continuing to the back.

Finish

Rye spice and tingles on the tongue hit immediately with vanilla and brown sugar coming back from the palate and slowly fading to char and low heat that settles in the chest. A refreshing cool mint aftertaste rounds off the finish.

In closing

My first and second recommendation after buying a bottle of Rare Breed is to first crack it open and let a 2-4 ounce pour open up for 15 minutes or so. Secondly, buy a second bottle because you’re going to want a back up! The reason I say let it sit for about 15 minutes even after its been open for a bit is the rye spice on this bottle could come across as medicinal or overly minty which can overpower the senses if not toned down with some air time. The extra time given to the whiskey to breath brings out the lighter more sweet characteristics of the nose and palate. The palate is the highlight of this bottle with a nice creamy viscosity that just rushes the palate with flavor. For a 112 proof whiskey the finish is strong with flavor and aromas but not overpowering and really complements the palate. I can see this bottle being an everyday sipper for the hot summer months because of the cool refreshing mint but also a wonderful fire sipping whiskey in the cooler months because of the higher proof. The price point of Wild Turkey Rare Breed I believe is fair and right in line for a rye which is typically more expensive than regular bourbon or whiskey.